THL469 Homiletics (8)

This subject introduces students to the principles and practice of homiletics. It explores issues of biblical interpretation in the homiletic context, the theology of proclamation and the spiritual and vocational orientation of the preacher. This subject also provides students with analytical tools for evaluating homilies.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Canberra Campus
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL469. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

Not available to students who have completed THL320 Homiletics (paired subject).

Subject Relationships

THL320 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

THL320

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify and to articulate the main elements of the Christian homiletic/preaching tradition;
  • be able to prepare and deliver a biblically and theologically literate homily/sermon for a prescribed setting;
  • be able to demonstrate an advanced capacity for individual and collective critique of homilies/sermons in terms of their theological clarity, overall presentation and contextual suitability;
  • be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of both pastoral responsibilities and public accountabilities associated with the homiletic/preaching task in contemporary cultural and technological contexts;
  • be able to identify and to analyse critically the role of the community in the homiletical interpretation of Scripture; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including advanced research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The Christian preaching tradition
  • The Interpretation of Scripture
  • Preaching the Old Testament
  • Preaching the New Testament
  • Theology of proclamation
  • On being a preacher: pastoral and ethical considerations in contemporary cultural and technological contexts
  • Tradition and history (including the Reformed Tradition)
  • Sermon types, including the online environment
  • The critique of homilies
  • Preparation and delivery (orality)
  • Resources for preaching: Lectionary, commentaries, online resources
  • The place of the homily in worship and the homily as worship

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL469 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Essay
25
2
Analysis of sermons
25
3
Sermon presentation and supporting notes
50

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

This residential school provides students with the opportunity to engage with the subject matter in an intensive manner within a peer-group setting, particularly by presenting their own homilies to peers and having the opportunity to critique in a constructive manner homilies presented by peers.

Special Resources

Online students who enrol in this subject are required to travel to attend the compulsory residential school in Canberra and also to arrange their own accommodation and meals.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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